Archives September 2024

Leading The Way: GD Goenka Public School, Vasant Kunj Introduces Delhi NCR’s First Electric School Bus Pilot Program

New Delhi, September 27, 2024: GD Goenka Public School, Vasant Kunj, one of the leading educational institutions in the country, is delighted to announce Delhi NCR’s first electric school bus pilot program in collaboration with VE Commercial Vehicles.

This pioneering endeavour marks a substantial step towards sustainability and reducing carbon footprints in the education sector, making GD Goenka the first school to undertake such an initiative.

”This transformative initiative reflects our commitment to creating a greener future and establishing new sustainability benchmarks in the education landscape. In the coming times, we will continue to embrace innovative measures for environmental stewardship and fostering change agents of the future,” said Mr. Nipun Goenka, Managing Director of GD Goenka Group.

In an effort to convert its entire school bus fleet to 100 percent electric, the school has partnered with VECV to design a suitable operational and financial model. The pilot program will assess the performance of electric buses, student satisfaction, charging cycles, maintenance requirements, and overall efficiency.

The program is set to usher in a new era in school transportation in India, as most electric bus fleets to date have been used only in city bus applications.

”We are pleased to partner with GD Goenka Public school, Vasant Kunj to drive sustainable transportation and ensure a greener tomorrow. The institution has been at the forefront in embracing innovative practices, and we are happy to support them with their sustainability goals,” said, Mr. SS Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles.

Founder, Saurabh Luthra Unveils Romeo Lane’s Expansion Roadmap

~Join the Journey to 40 New Cities and International Destinations

Founder, Saurabh Luthra

Saurabh Luthra’s Romeo Lane, currently established in 11 cities across India, is poised for significant expansion. Plans are underway to extend its presence to an additional 40 cities domestically and to launch international branches. This expansion is driven by Saurabh’s vision to cater to diverse guest experiences throughout the day, transforming Romeo Lane into a preferred destination for family dining at lunch and a vibrant nightlife venue in the evenings. Targeting metropolitan and tier-2 cities in India, Romeo Lane aims to meet the rising demand for exceptional dining and nightlife. Internationally, the brand eyes entry into key cities in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe, leveraging its appeal with a blend of Indian and global cuisine and dynamic nightlife offerings.

As part of this expansion, Saurabh Luthra envisions enhancing Romeo Lane’s offerings with new seasonal specialties, innovative organic cocktails, and exclusive dining experiences. Collaborations with local suppliers, event organizers, and technology partners will further bolster Romeo Lane’s growth strategy, ensuring operational excellence and maintaining the highest standards of service.

Saurabh Luthra’s leadership at Romeo Lane epitomizes a commitment to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction. Under his stewardship, Romeo Lane has evolved into a beloved destination renowned for seamlessly integrating fine dining with vibrant nightlife experiences. His strategic vision and hands-on approach have fostered a culture of innovation, ensuring Romeo Lane remains at the forefront of Delhi’s dynamic food scene.

The recent success of Romeo Lane can be attributed to Saurabh Luthra’s relentless pursuit of offering exceptional dining experiences that resonate deeply with patrons. By actively listening to customer feedback and swiftly adapting to market trends, Saurabh Luthra has positioned Romeo Lane not just as a restaurant, but as a cultural hub where each visit promises culinary delight and memorable moments.

For more information on Saurabh Luthra’s leadership and Romeo Lane’s expansion plans, please visit www.romeolane.com.

ThoughtSpot Appoints Ketan Karkhanis as new Chief Executive Officer

Mountain View, California – September 27, 2024 – ThoughtSpot, the AI-Powered Analytics Company, today announced that the Company has appointed Ketan Karkhanis as Chief Executive Officer.

Ketan is joining ThoughtSpot from Salesforce, where he has spent over a decade of his career. He most recently served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Salesforce Sales Cloud business, leading one of the company’s largest cloud businesses that generated more than $7 billion last fiscal year. He returned to Salesforce in March 2022 after his time as the COO of Turvo, a supply-chain collaboration platform that was acquired by Lineage Logistics in 2022. Before that, Ketan was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Salesforce Einstein Analytics, incubating the business from launch to over .

“During this time of accelerated transformation driven by the advent of generative AI, there is no better person to lead ThoughtSpot than Ketan,” said Ajeet Singh, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of ThoughtSpot. “He is a customer-obsessed, employee-focused business leader with a deep experience in analytics and has built and led world-class SaaS businesses of significant scale. The ThoughtSpot Board believes that Ketan is the right leader to help ThoughtSpot capitalize on its foundational innovation and capture the massive market opportunity that lies ahead in AI-powered analytics.”

Singh added, “Over the last six months, ThoughtSpot has made significant progress in accelerating its product roadmap, delivering genAI-driven value to customers that are migrating away from legacy visualization platforms, and centering its focus on durable growth at scale, all setting the table for our next CEO.”

“Ketan has the passion and experience to lead ThoughtSpot in its next chapter,” said Ravi Mhatre, Founder and Managing Director of Lightspeed Venture Partners and the founding investor on ThoughtSpot’s Board of Directors. “This appointment comes at a perfect time for the market as analytics is redefined by genAI, and ensures that ThoughtSpot is best positioned to scale rapidly.”

“ThoughtSpot has built a fundamentally different approach to analytics since its inception, squarely focused on democratizing data and empowering everyone to make data-driven decisions with its AI and search-driven analytics platform,” said Ketan Karkhanis, CEO of ThoughtSpot. “ThoughtSpot has a significant head start in innovation that is required for truly delivering on the expectations that genAI has created, with a proven solution that is delivering value to some of the largest and most complex enterprises in the world. I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to lead the company that finds itself intersecting with the genAI tailwinds at a perfect time, and is in a strong position to capitalize on this market opportunity by bringing unparalleled value to over a thousand customers across the globe.”

Samsung’s New Health Software Development Kit Suite Powers Advancements in Healthcare Innovation

New Delhi – Sept. 27, 2024 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today
introduced a new Samsung Health Software Development Kit (SDK) Suite. Designed to better support developers and researchers in creating innovative healthcare solutions, the SDK Suite leverages Samsung’s advanced sensor technology and comprehensive Samsung Health platform. The new complete package of sensor, data, accessory and research stack components is now readily accessible to an expanded range of partners, developers and researchers.
 
Sensor SDK: Fueling Health Services Development through Advanced Sensor Technology
The Sensor SDK provides developers with Samsung’s powerful BioActive Sensor algorithm on the Galaxy Watch, empowering them to explore new sectors of health services and create advanced new solutions. The BioActive Sensor measures a diverse range of health metrics including heart rate, skin temperature, electrocardiogram (ECG) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). A notable update features continuous access to Photoplethysmogram (PPG) Infrared (IR) and Red LED sensor data for the first time. This advancement will help enhance health services related to blood oxygen level (SpO2) to improve sleep quality and beyond. The upgraded BIA now provides additional measurements—magnitude and degree—expanding on the existing eight indicators, including skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass, to present more precise body composition analysis to offer deeper insights into overall physical health.
Data SDK: Comprehensive Health Insights Unlock New Value in Health Services
Starting from October, the newly added Data SDK enables developers to utilize integrated health data gathered from diverse devices such as Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Ring, smartphones or even third-party devices to create innovative digital health solutions. Data SDK provides access to health metrics on the Samsung Health app—including sleep, exercise, blood pressure, food intake, and blood glucose levels—analyzed by its advanced algorithm. These streamlined insights generated by Samsung Health enable developers to enhance their productivity when developing the healthcare services.
Accessory SDK: Holistic Health Insights from Various Health Devices in One Place
 
With Accessory SDK, developers can integrate compatible third-party heath devices—such as blood pressure monitors, fitness devices like bike sensors, heart rate monitors and even glucose monitors—through the Samsung Health app. This makes it easy to view health status information in one place without activating separate third-party apps, promoting a seamless and simplified experience and expanding the ecosystem for end-to-end health management.
Research Stack: Empowering Research Institutions To Further Support the Healthcare Industry
Research Stack is an open-source project that aims to expand the digital health research ecosystem. Research Stack creates a flexible and versatile research environment, by providing not only the mobile and wearable app SDK but also web portal and backend services, to support all stages of the research process, from recruitment and surveys to progress tracking and results monitoring. The recently updated Research Stack boasts a comprehensive toolset developed based on valuable feedback from research institutions and their experiences implementing complex, large-scale studies. Additionally, the forthcoming 2.0 version will directly integrate Sensor SDK and Data SDK from the Health SDK Suite. Research Stack has already been used by leading institutions as part of their research and discovery processes, underscoring Samsung’s active support for the healthcare industry, providing researchers with more efficient studies and meaningful results.

IDBI Bank launches Sugam Rinn Bhugtan Yojana

IDBI Bank has announced a special Scheme “Sugam Rinn Bhugtan Yojana (SUGAM)”, to boost its recovery efforts through One Time Settlement of Retail NPAs up to March 31, 2021 with Borrower’s Principal Outstanding above Rs.0.10 crore and up to Rs.10 crore (subject to eligibility criteria), at relaxed terms to provide a renewed opportunity to the borrowers who are in distress and are willing to settle their dues to avoid legal entanglement. Brief of the scheme is available at https://www.idbibank.in/idbi-bank-sugam-rinn-bhugtan-yojana.aspx.

 

TimBuckDo and Government of Karnataka Sign MoU to Empower Students with Part-Time Jobs and Internship Opportunities

Bengaluru, 26 September 2024: TimBuckDo, a pioneer in the student gig economy,  has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education (DCTE), Karnataka. This partnership aims to provide college students across the state with access to part-time jobs and internships, offering valuable work experience, skill enhancement, and financial independence during their academic years.

Founded by Mythri Kumar and Apoorv Sharma Prasad, TimBuckDo connects students with flexible gig opportunities, bridging the gap between students seeking part-time employment and businesses in need of support. The MoU signing event was attended by Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Minister of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, who emphasized TimBuckDo’s role in nurturing future leaders. Also present were Shri Srikar Mysore Sridhar, Principal Secretary of Higher Education, and Sri Jagadeesha G, I.A.S., Commissioner of the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education, Karnataka.

The collaboration between TimBuckDo and the Karnataka Government is driven by a shared vision to empower students with real-world work experience and financial independence during their college years. With approximately 10 lakh students studying in government colleges across first grade, technical, and polytechnic institutions in Karnataka, there is a significant opportunity to ensure equal access to a variety of part-time jobs and internships for all students, regardless of their background. This initiative aims to build a robust ecosystem that supports the professional growth of these students, enhancing their prospects and creating lasting opportunities.

Founders Mythri Kumar & Apoorv Sharma Prasad of TimBuckDo, said, “At TimBuckDo, we believe in the transformative power of opportunity. By partnering with the Government of Karnataka, we aim to create access points that empower individuals to unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to the economy. This MoU is a testament to our commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards progress.” They further added, “Our mission is to ensure that every student, irrespective of their background, has access to meaningful work experiences. We believe this partnership will create a positive impact on the lives of many students and contribute to the overall development of the state’s education system.”

Global Paper Packaging Materials Market to Reach US$ 465 Billion by 2032, Driven by 6% CAGR | Fact.MR Report

Paper packaging offers a versatile and cost-effective solution for storing, transporting, and preserving a wide range of products. It can be easily customized to meet customer needs and product-specific requirements. Compared to other types of packaging, paper packaging provides several key benefits, including being lightweight, biodegradable, and recyclable.

The paper packaging materials market is being propelled by strict regulations from environmental protection agencies and increasing consumer awareness of sustainable packaging choices. The growing global population is driving demand for affordable packaging alternatives, such as bags, pouches, and cellulose-based materials.

A variety of end-use applications now call for environmentally safe and sustainable packaging materials as a result of recent breakthroughs in the packaging sector. This is a significant aspect influencing the development of the market for paper packaging materials.

Key Takeaways from Market Study:

  • The global paper packaging materials market is valued at US$ 260 billion in 2022.
  • Market in Canada is projected to progress at a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period (2022-2032).
  • Sales of paper bags & sacks are anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2022 to 2032.
  • Market in Germany is set to evolve at a CAGR of 5.5% through 2032.

Paper Packaging Materials Gaining Huge Popularity:

Growing Demand for Sustainable Packaging – One of the primary reasons for the rising popularity of paper packaging materials is the global shift towards sustainability. With increasing concerns about environmental degradation, consumers and industries are seeking alternatives to traditional  which is non-biodegradable and harmful to ecosystems.

Biodegradability and Recycling – The biodegradable nature of paper packaging is another key factor behind its growing popularity. Unlike plastic, which can take centuries to break down, paper decomposes naturally, reducing the long-term environmental impact. In addition, paper packaging is easily recyclable, making it an important component in the circular economy, where materials are reused and repurposed to minimize waste.

Lightweight and Cost-Effective -In addition to its environmental benefits, paper packaging is lightweight, which makes it more economical for shipping and transportation. Reduced shipping costs are a significant advantage for businesses looking to optimize logistics without sacrificing sustainability. Furthermore, the relatively low cost of paper packaging materials compared to other sustainable alternatives makes it a cost-effective option for businesses looking to balance environmental responsibility with operational efficiency.

Rising Consumer Awareness and Preference– Today’s consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever before, and their purchasing decisions are increasingly influenced by the sustainability practices of brands. This has led to a growing preference for products packaged in eco-friendly materials, such as paper. Brands that adopt paper packaging not only appeal to this environmentally aware consumer base but also enhance their brand image as socially responsible and sustainable.

Innovations in Paper Packaging Technology-Technological advancements in paper packaging have significantly enhanced its functionality and broadened its application across various sectors. For example, innovations like liquid packaging cartons and more durable paper materials have made paper packaging more suitable for items that require leak-proof or moisture-resistant properties. These advancements are making paper packaging more competitive with other forms of packaging, such as plastic and glass, while still maintaining its eco-friendly appeal.

Neo Developers received the OC for one of their projects

NEO DEVELOPERS, one of the leading builders in Delhi NCR has formally secured the Occupation Certificate (OC) for NEO Square Project located on Dwarka Expressway Sector – 109.

Neo Square is an exceptional commercial hub, featuring a variety of beautifully designed spaces that exemplify world-class standards. This Grade-A development offers seamless connectivity to UER I & II, SPR, and NH-8, making it ideal for high-end market segments. The expansive project includes diverse commercial offerings such as retail shops, a food court, restaurants, supermarket, cinema, and office spaces.

This project is developed in 3.07 Acres of land with 12 lakh Sq. Ft. total built-up area.

  • There are numerous features in the project:
  • ~6 lakh sq ft of development in Phase – I
  • ~1.6 lakh sq ft dedicated to retail from GF to 3F
  • ~3 lakh sq ft of office development 5F to 17F
  • High speed elevators to ensure ease of movement
  • Adequate provision for over 1600 car parks
  • Separate drop off points for office and retail
  • Vastu compliant ‘East’ facing building
  • Energy efficient building
  • 24X7 CCTV surveillance
  • Fully Air Conditioned with 100% Power Back
  • Zero waste generation

In close proximity to major residential developments with over 50,000 dwelling units: Sobha International city, Raheja Atharva, Vedaanta, The Vedas & Shilas, IndiaBulls Enigma, Chintels Serenity, Acropolis & Paradiso, CHD sector 109.

REHAU Completes Nationwide Clean-up Drive as Part of its Annual REHAU Return Program

Delhi NCR, 26th September 2024 – In a continued effort to support environmental sustainability, REHAU, a global leader in polymer-based solutions, successfully concluded its annual clean-up drive across key cities in India as part of its REHAU Return program. This year’s initiative, which commenced on 16th September and culminated on World Clean-up Day (20th September), saw participation across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Vadodara.

As a brand committed to sustainability and circular economy practices, REHAU has been organizing this clean-up drive annually to demonstrate its dedication to environmental preservation. The initiative was aimed at promoting responsible waste management and creating awareness about the importance of recycling.

Mr. Faiz Ahmed, MD, REHAU (Pune Region): “India continues to make significant investments in waste management, with the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation allocating ₹77,390.68 crore for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. A large portion of this is dedicated to the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), highlighting the critical need for better waste management across the nation. In Pune, we are proud to contribute to this mission by encouraging responsible waste disposal practices. Our clean-up drive aims to inspire local communities to take an active role in keeping their surroundings clean, aligning with the government’s vision of a cleaner and healthier India.”

During the week-long drive, teams of volunteers, including REHAU employees, local residents, and environmental enthusiasts, worked together to collect waste from various areas across these cities. In total, the drive successfully removed 1500 Kgs of waste, which will be responsibly recycled as part of REHAU’s commitment to creating a cleaner, greener planet.

Mr. Manish Arora, VP – Furniture Solutions, REHAU (Delhi Region): “In Delhi, our commitment to recycling and sustainable practices is vital. Through our clean-up drive, we are not only addressing the immediate waste challenge but also emphasizing the importance of recycling plastic products. Our goal is to set a benchmark for responsible consumption and disposal, ensuring that our city and our products contribute positively to the environment.”

Mr. Lakshmi Pacha, VP (Strategic Projects), REHAU SOA (Bangalore Region): “Our clean-up drive in Bangalore is a strategic part of REHAU’s broader sustainability vision through the REHAU Return initiative. By committing to conscious usage of plastic materials and proper waste recycling, we aim to actively contribute to environmental conservation. The clean-up efforts we’re leading are not just about immediate results but are part of a long-term commitment to giving back to the planet. Through this initiative, we hope to encourage both our partners and the local community to adopt sustainable practices for a cleaner, greener future.”

By prioritizing proper recycling methods, the campaign not only helped in reducing waste but also reinforced the brand’s mission to minimize environmental impact and return resources back to nature through its REHAU Return initiative.

REHAU’s annual clean-up drive is a testament to the brand’s long-standing focus on environmental consciousness. Through this initiative, the company aims to raise public awareness about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to protect ecosystems and promote a sustainable future.

Ms. Ashima Deepak Kaul, HR Head, REHAU SOA (Mumbai Region): “Across India, REHAU has actively encouraged its employees to become more conscious of their environmental impact. We have seen a remarkable shift in their mindset as they embrace sustainability initiatives, from reducing waste to volunteering in clean-up drives. In Mumbai, this clean-up drive is a prime example of how our employees are translating this awareness into action. It’s not just about cleaning a space; it’s about fostering a long-term commitment to preserving our surroundings and giving back to the community in meaningful ways.”

Mr. Shailendra Kulkarni, Plant Head, REHAU SOA (Vadodara Region): “Sustainability is integral to how we operate at REHAU. In Vadodara, we ensure that our manufacturing processes align with global environmental standards, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. This clean-up drive is an extension of our on-going commitment to sustainability. By taking the initiative beyond our plant, we aim to create a ripple effect in the surrounding community, demonstrating that responsible waste management is not just a corporate responsibility but a collective one that benefits all.”

Savor the Essence of Balinese Cuisine at MIKUSU, Conrad Bengaluru

<p style=”font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;”>Discover the vibrant flavors of Bali at MIKUSU, Conrad Bengaluru, where an exquisite culinary experience awaits you. From the 28<sup>th</sup> of September to the 8<sup>th</sup> of October 2024, indulge in a unique dining journey expertly curated by the acclaimed chefs from Conrad Bali—Chef Agus and Chef Wayan.</p>
<p style=”font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;”>Immerse yourself in a celebration of authentic Balinese gastronomy with a specially crafted menu, “Plates of Bali” that highlights the richness of Balinese culinary traditions. Delight in dishes like Siap Sambal Matah, featuring roasted shredded chicken paired with raw Balinese sambal, lemongrass, chili, and kaffir lime. Savor the grilled marinated lamb known as Serapah Kambing, infused with fresh grated coconut and turmeric ginger. Enjoy Kambing Lalah Manis, where braised lamb is served with a sweet and spiced reduction alongside fragrant steamed jasmine rice. Experience Nasi Goreng Udang Sambel Embe, a Balinese fried rice dish with prawns, fried shallots, garlic, and sambal. Indulge in Ayam Betutu, a slow-roasted chicken infused with Balinese spices, served with chicken ball soup, and steamed rice.</p>
<p style=”font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;”>End your meal with delightful desserts such as Bubur Injin, a black sticky rice pudding served with coconut cream and vanilla gelato, and Pisang Rai, a battered fresh banana with rice flour, grated coconut, and palm sugar syrup, paired with vanilla gelato.</p>
<p style=”text-align: center;”><img class=”alignnone wp-image-254194 size-medium” src=”https://businessnewsthisweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Balinese-Food-Festival-Conrad-Bengaluru-212×300.jpeg” alt=”” width=”212″ height=”300″ /></p>

<blockquote>
<p style=”font-weight: 400;”>”<strong><em>We are elated to associate with the talented chefs from Conrad Bali, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Balinese cuisine. This partnership opens the door for our guests to explore new cultures and culinary traditions, enhancing their overall dining experience at Conrad Bengaluru</em></strong>,” said Mr. Digvijay Singh, General Manager, Conrad Bengaluru.</p>
<p style=”font-weight: 400;”>Executive Chef Mohammed Eliyaz added, “<strong><em>This Balinese Food Festival underscores our commitment to providing unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate culinary diversity. The collaboration between our talented chefs will create an extraordinary event filled with delectable flavors.”</em></strong></p>
</blockquote>
<p style=”font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;”><strong><em> </em></strong>Embark on a culinary adventure at Conrad Bengaluru that promises to transport you to the heart of Bali. Taking place from the 28<sup>th</sup> of September to 8<sup>th</sup> of October 2024 at MIKUSU, Conrad Bengaluru. Ala Carte and set course menu starting from INR 3250 plus taxes.</p>
<p style=”font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;”>Savor the unique tastes and rich culinary heritage of Bali like never before, with a vibrant tapestry of flavours and aromas that transports you straight to the heart of this tropical paradise.</p>